Disclaimer: As much as I wish they were my own, they belong to JA!
Chapter 4
The following morning, Elizabeth awoke to the meditations which had closed her eyes. She turned to see her husband still asleep next to her. The thoughts left her mind as she studied Mr Darcy's features. She rose from his bed and walked to her own apartment in order to dress. On arrival, she suddenly felt most unwell so returned to her bed until it had passed and at noon she awoke again, feeling most distressed that she had not been with her guests.
As she descended the staircase, she was greeted by Mr Darcy and Jane.
"There you are Lizzy," smiled Jane, "Are you quite well?"
"Nay, a little ill I fear but I feel better now."
"You are sure?" Mr Darcy enquired.
Elizabeth smiled at her husband and sister and assured them that she did and joined the company for luncheon. It was with relief that she noted that Lady Catherine was engaged in conversation with Georgiana.
Elizabeth took her seat and it was with pleasure that she found her sisters on either side of her.
"I received a letter from Lydia this morning Lizzie," Kitty started, "she seems well, a little out of spirits perhaps. She says that our niece is growing more everyday!"
Elizabeth frowned slightly at the mention of her youngest sister. She occasionally provided Lydia with a little relief from her own expenses, an action she concealed from Mr Darcy. Lydia was an occasional visitor to Pemberley but Mr Darcy would not receive her husband.
"Yes Kitty," she started, looking at Jane, "it is very surprising that a child should grow!" The three sisters found themselves unable to suppress their laughter and Elizabeth noted a condescending glance from Lady Catherine.
It gave Mr Darcy great pleasure to see his wife's playful nature return to her. As she looked up, he caught her eye, his warm smile returned with equal affection.
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The following three mornings, Elizabeth awoke to the ailment which had affected her previously. On the fourth morning, she confessed her vexation to Jane who sat with her in her bed chamber.
"Perhaps the doctor should be sent for Lizzy."
"I dare say that it will pass."
"Aye, but Lizzy, please allow the doctor to be called."
Elizabeth, seeing the concern in her sister's face, consented.
Having fetched the doctor, Mr Darcy waited impatiently outside her chamber with Jane. He started when the door opened and turned to the doctor.
"Ah, Mr Darcy, your wife is very good health," he began, "indeed, I am sure it shall pass with time," he continued, giving Mrs Bingley a sly look, "I imagine, sir, that you would like to see her now."
"Yes, of course, thank you sir."
Doctor Fairfax bowed, taking his leave as Darcy and Jane entered Elizabeth's chamber. Darcy strode to her side at once, taking her hand, "My dear Lizzy, I am relieved that you are well."
"Indeed, I am very well indeed," she laughed, catching Jane's eye.
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The following evening brought with it the long awaited ball. Elizabeth had spent the day ensuring that all was ready. In a year of marriage, she had become a shrewd manager, evident in her organisation of the evening's festivities.
Her lady's maid had finished dressing hair and she now descended the grand staircase to meet her husband. Mr Darcy observed Elizabeth as she approached him. She looked very handsome attired in a yellow silk gown, he had always admired her in yellow. He smiled as he took her hand and raised it to her lips. He was somewhat lost for words but quickly recollected himself as Georgiana and Kitty also descended. Both were attired in their new gowns, Kitty in her pale blue muslin and Georgiana in pale pink.
"Lizzy, you look very pretty," Georgiana complimented her shyly, "do you not agree brother?"
"Yes, indeed you do."
Elizabeth laughed as her husband struggled to compose himself and returned the compliment.
The family moved into the ball room to greet their guests as they arrived. Soon the room began to fill and the Darcys continued to greet their guests who bestowed upon Mr Darcy their congratulations and Mrs Darcy their compliments.
As Elizabeth and Darcy stood for the first dance, Elizabeth observed her husband becoming uneasy. She followed his eyes to where Georgiana was preparing to dance the first with William Preston. The gentleman in question was very attentive towards Miss Darcy and had a manner not unlike that of Mr Bingley's. he was a pleasant and amiable and Georgiana's shy countenance led her to receive such attentions with modesty. Elizabeth observe Kitty with the younger Mr Preston, a little less shy than Georgiana yet could see no peculiarity in her manner.
As the dance began, Darcy recollected himself and his attention was bestowed solely on his wife. The rule of talking during the dance was naturally observed, a light exchange of wit, pleasing to both. After the dance, the couple parted in order to talk to their guests, a great deal of whom had come into the country from town.
In another part of the room, Kitty was forming a new acquaintance. Mr Markham was a clergyman who had recently filled the vacant living in Lambton. He was a quiet gentleman, a contrast to Henry Preston with whom Kitty had formed a strong acquaintance. Mr Markham intrigued Kitty, his quiet countenance established in Kitty's mind, a desire to discover more.
"I understand that you are from Yorkshire Mr Markham ."
"Yes Miss Bennet, I am."
"Tell me," began Kitty, "I had heard that the country is very beautiful there."
"Indeed it is, I believe there is none finer."
"Not even Derbyshire?"
"Derbyshire is very agreeable yet I am unmoved!"
Kitty laughed warmly and the two continued to debate the merits of the two counties before standing to dance the next.
A short distance away, Mr Darcy stood observing Georgiana as she spoke with Miss Preston. He was, however distracted from his meditation by the approach of the younger Mr Preston.
"Mr Darcy, I must congratulate you and your wife on such an agreeable evening."
"Thank you sir."
"It seems to me that spending the winter in the country is just as agreeable as in town. I understand you have a house in London?"
"Yes," Darcy began, finding himself more at ease with the gentleman, "although I spend much more time at Pemberley."
"Ah, yes, the presence of a wife! I rarely travel to London myself, I must confess, I find the society and amusements of York more agreeable."
"I have not had that pleasure."
"Perhaps compared to London, you might find York somewhat unvaried but it is a pleasant place."
"Perhaps, but I shall not know of course unless I go to York myself."
"Yes indeed," agreed Mr Preston. There conversation, however, was interrupted by Lady Preston.
"Mr Darcy, I pray you will forgive me for the intrusion but I am afraid my son has been requested."
Mr Preston bowed as he followed his mother and Darcy was left to reflect on what had just occurred. Mr Preston had demonstrated an open and easy manner and his behaviour was that of a gentleman, his friendly character made him very amiable yet Darcy still remained reserved in his judgement. He did not notice a pair of fine eyes moving towards him until their accompanying voice spoke.
"Mr Darcy, if you continue to stand in this manner, people with think you proud."
"That, Mrs Darcy would be a failing indeed. Perhaps you will do me the honour of dancing the next?" Elizabeth took his arm and they took their place in the set.
When the guests had sat down to supper, Elizabeth followed her husband to the punch bowl .
"I trust you are enjoying your birthday my dear."
"I am, even more so in your company."
Elizabeth coloured slightly at the compliment but quickly regained her composure, "I do believe it shall be very different next year."
"How do you mean?"
"I expect that a new arrival at Pemberley shall alter our lives considerably!"
Darcy looked at his wife in astonishment, "You are?"
Elizabeth nodded happily, her faced glowed with a joy that only an expectant mother can feel.
Ok, please review! Again, I apologise for the cliches I think they are likely to be avoided as the story progresses.